Here are a couple releases that display the polar opposites of what a
large jazz band can accomplish.
Pianist/conductor/composer Frank Carlberg leads this mini-big band
through seven outside of left field originals. The material consists of
songs that have meandering brass (“March”), ponderous melodies and
rhythms (“Federico On Broadway”) or tentative Monkish themes and solos
(“Green Room”). There is some thunderous drumming on “Rat Race” that
turns into a carnival-like atmosphere, while the band askancely swings
through “The Chase.” Not sure who this was made for, but a little
Valium afterwords could help.
Meanwhile, drummer Tommy Igoe leads a big band that gets a humongous
sound on these eleven charts . Compositions by Bobby Timmons
(“Moanin’”) Chick Corea (“Got A Match” ‘Armando’s Rhumba”), Herbie
Hancock (“Butterfly”) and Michael Brecker (“Spherical”) are given a
brass boost here, with some exciting soloing all around. On Michel
Camilo’s “On Fire,” altoist Matt Hong sears through the exciting
ensemble work, while Kenny Archer slinks his piano through the suave
“Butterfly.” Mike Stern’s “Common Ground” has some visceral alto work
by Nathan Childers, with Igoe’s drumming propulsing the band forward
like the chariot scene in Ben-Hur. A fun ride the whole way through.
Red Piano Records
Deep Rhythm Music